Offense Litters Denver Outfield For 8-4 Win

We can breathe a little easier, as the Phillies offense woke up and socked Rockies pitching for an 8-4 win. They did it without much help from the longball, and they also answered all the Rockies big hits. A well-rounded offensive showcase.

Ryan Howard powered through with a bases-clearing double in the third inning, seizing a 3-2 lead after Brett Myers surrendered one of three Colorado home runs. The righty again gave up four and again via three longballs, but this time he survived seven innings, showing better control of his pitches en route to a suitable line: 7 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 6 K, 1 BB.

Though Colorado had power, the Phils did it every other way. Jayson Werth socked a two-run triple, scoring Chase Utley and Howard, who looked pretty svelte rounding the bases in quick fashion. Holding the 5-4 lead with Myers shutting down the Rockies late, the Phils began to pull away. A Raul Ibanez home run, an Utley RBI single and a Pedro Feliz RBI single gave the Phils a nice cushion. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge eased through their innings, securing the victory.

Altogether the Phils collected 15 hits, with Feliz and Shane Victorino (on base four of six times) each recording three.